What is the difference between what dietitians do and what nutritionists do?
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There is no such things as an official “nutritionist”. It’s a made up position that requires no education, training or expertise. Much like naturopath.
I got a degree in human nutrition and foods. So what the fuck is it even valuable for? (A lot of bitterness because of this) Wast of time going to college to find out anybody can be called a nutritionist but if you get a degree in nutrition you are still called a nutritionist. wtf Please somebody explain to me that I didn’t waste time getting this degree ugh
Registered Dietitian here! I got a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition with an emphasis in Dietetics, completed a supervised internship from an accredited program, and passed a national exam. I went on to get a Master’s degree which will be required for all dietitians in 2024.
Nutritionists do not do any of that.
Not saying that nutritionists cannot be helpful. But there is a lot of misinformation out there and mostly spread by non credentialed folks. Also, in many states, only a dietitian can provide medical nutrition therapy. So basically, if you have cancer or a chronic condition like diabetes and you’re seeking nutritional guidance, only an RD can help you, not a nutritionist.
I would like to add that in a medical setting Dietitians are in charge of writing tube feeding orders and TPN orders (IV nutrition for when the gut cannot be used). To work in any medical setting you must be an RD).
source: am a dietitian who works in a hospital
Bunch of dopes in here. It depends on the state. Some states do protect the ‘nutritionist’ title, others do not. They almost all protect the ‘dietitian’ title, because it’s older and more established (and practices a very traditional view of nutrition). With that said, Certified Nutrition Specialists have to obtain a master’s degree and complete over 1000 hours of supervised clinical hours, while dietitians just need a bachelor’s. You asked what they *do* however, and they mostly *do* the same things.
Dietitians have qualifications and are certified. They have to stay in the field else they will lose their certification.
Nutritionists are anyone who gives advice.
As a former cancer patient I just want to say that the dietician on my medical team played an equal part in keeping me alive as anyone else. Thank you Cheryl! Every cancer treatment team should include a dietician.
🤯 I ever knew that Chiropractors are not a based on real science, until I followed the comments in this thread 🤯🫢
As the younger folks say “ I was TODAY years old, when I found out….”
The former is a protected term, meaning only a person with the correct credentials can call them selves one.
The latter is not a protected term, meaning you can call your self one.
Whenever this question comes up it’s a chance for folks to vent on their feelings and ideas about alternative nutrition.
I just want to vent on the licensed dietician thing. My wife didn’t understand her major well enough when she was steered there as an 18yo fresh out of high school. Studied nutrition and wound up taking a very demanding pre-med BS from one of the best schools. Only to find out the job opportunities in 1989 were lab assistant or registered dietician at a hospital, both paying about $12/hr. Wound up working for a weight-loss company for a while but that was more like therapy than dietician work, and she had no training in that, was very emotionally stressful. So she went back to waiting tables and became a massage therapist, both more fun jobs that payed a lot better. A hospital dietician is in charge of making sure you get a bowl of jello on your tray of yummy yummy hospital food.
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